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What is BiPolar Disorder?

"Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a psychiatric diagnostic category
describing a class of mood disorders in which the person experiences clinical
depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. The disorder can cause
great distress among those afflicted and those living with them. Left untreated,
bipolar disorder can be a disabling condition, with a high
risk of death through suicide."

"The difference between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder (also called major depression) is that bipolar disorder involves both elevated and depressive mood states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with BiPolar disorder. Fluctuating from one mood state to the
next is called "cycling". Mood swings can cause impairment or improved
functioning depending on their direction (up or down) and severity (mild to
severe). There can be changes in one's energy level, sleep pattern, activity
level, social rhythms and cognitive functioning. Some people with Bipolar
disorder may have difficulty functioning during these times."